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Glossary

Showing 831-840 out of 1196 Terms

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  • Nerve

    (nerv)

    A bundle of fibers that receives and sends messages between the body and the brain. The messages are sent by chemical and electrical changes in the cells that make up the nerves.

  • Nervous system

    (NER-vus SIS-tem)

    The organized network of nerve tissue in the body. It includes the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), the peripheral nervous system (nerves that extend from the spinal cord to the rest of the body), and other nerve tissue.

  • Neuroblastoma

    NOOR-oh-blas-TOH-muh

    A type of cancer that forms from immature nerve cells. It usually begins in the adrenal glands but may also begin in the abdomen, chest, or in nerve tissue near the spine. Neuroblastoma most often occurs in children younger than 5 years of age. It is thought to begin before birth. It is usually found when the tumor begins to grow and cause signs or symptoms.

  • Neuroendocrine

    (NOOR-oh-EN-doh-krin)

    Having to do with the interactions between the nervous system and the endocrine system. Neuroendocrine describes certain cells that release hormones into the blood in response to stimulation of the nervous system.

  • Neuroendocrine tumors

    (NOOR-oh-EN-doh-krin TOO-mers)

    Tumors that form from cells that release hormones into the blood in response to a signal from the nervous system. Neuroendocrine tumors may make higher-than-normal amounts of hormones, which can cause many different symptoms. These tumors may be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).

  • Neurofibroma

    (NOOR-oh-fy-BROH-muh)

    A benign tumor that develops from the cells and tissues that cover nerves.

  • Neurofibromatosis type 1

    NOOR-oh-FY-broh-muh-TOH-sis ...

    A rare genetic condition that causes brown spots and tumors on the skin, freckling in skin areas not exposed to the sun, tumors on the nerves, and developmental changes in the nervous system, muscles, bone, and skin. Also called NF1.

  • Neurofibromatosis type 2

    (NOOR-oh-FY-broh-muh-TOH-sis ...)

    A genetic condition in which tumors form on the nerves of the inner ear and cause loss of hearing and balance. Tumors may also occur in the brain and on nerves in the skull and spinal cord, and may cause loss of speech, eye movement, and the ability to swallow.

  • Neurologic

    (NOOR-oh-LAH-jik)

    Having to do with nerves or the nervous system.

  • Neurological exam

    (NOOR-oh-LAH-jih-kul eg-ZAM)

    A series of questions and tests to check brain, spinal cord, and nerve function. The exam checks a person’s mental status, coordination, ability to walk, and how well the muscles, sensory systems, and deep tendon reflexes work.